MLC and AMP have been named as organisations that promote trust and confidence, according to a survey of CEOs conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Financial Services Council.

The survey of 35 financial services CEOs says MLC had taken the “high ground on fees, a disciplined approach to risk and quality of management”.

With AMP, the CEOs say it was “successful without a lot of fanfare”, with good quality of management and long-term focus.

The survey picked Macquarie as an organisation that they admire because of its “brand strength [and] aggressive and strong innovation”.

Curiously Wesfarmers was picked as an organisation outside the financial services industry admired by the CEOs – despite the conglomerate’s extensive involvement in general insurance.      

The survey looked at a number of issues in the financial services industry such as the talent pool and Australia’s role in Asia.

It found a shortage in risk insurance specialists continues, despite there being plenty of experienced talent being available in other parts of the financial services industry.

The talent pool is expected to grow despite people remaining with their present employer in the short term to realise any bonuses. After these are paid, people will start looking around to see what pay increases are available.

The survey also looked at what opportunities there are in Asia for Australian insurance companies and came to the conclusion it’s low.

It says transferring Australian-created products would be difficult, given the complexity and cultural differences in local markets.